WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last night, Congressman Chris Murphy (CT-5) was appointed the House Energy and Commerce Committee's Health Subcommittee. This influential subcommittee will be responsible for crafting landmark health legislation, extending health benefits to millions of America's children, unlocking the promise of stem cell research, and ensuring America's food and drug safety. In December, Murphy was appointed by Speaker Nancy Pelosi to serve on the Energy and Commerce Committee, becoming the first Connecticut Member of Congress in over a decade to serve on the prestigious panel. Murphy released the following statement on his appointment:
"This subcommittee will be the epicenter of any health care reform debate in the coming Congress, and I am thrilled to have the chance to be at the table to represent Connecticut in these deliberations.
"I am pleased to have the chance to continue the work I started in Hartford, as the Chair of the Public Health Committee. Now more than ever, as our economy is teetering and we are seeing its ugly cracks, we have to make changes that will pay off in the long run. And an investment in a universal and cost efficient health care system will go a long way toward improving the lives of families and the balance sheets of businesses.
"I am looking forward to working with the members of this influential subcommittee - some of the brightest minds in the nation - to make our vision for equal access to quality, affordable health care a reality."